Opposition MP Speaks Against Joint Anti-Terrorist Center

MP Davit Gamkrelidze, the leader of opposition New Rights party, said on May 23 that talks between Georgia and Russia over the withdrawal of military bases ?are doomed to fail? or ?might end with the worst possible outcome for us.?

MP Gamkrelidze made these comments, broadcasted by Imedi television, after Foreign Minister Salome Zourabichvili briefed a group of parliamentarians over the talks with the Russian side, which are currently underway in Tbilisi.

?For example, we are making a serious mistake by allowing [the Russian side] to replace its bases in Georgia with a joint anti-terrorist center. As a result, we will receive legalized anti-terrorist center, staffed with the same Russian servicemen and equipment, in place of illegal military bases,? MP Gamkrelidze said.

According to the official position of the Georgian Foreign Ministry, Tbilisi will agree to set up a joint Russian-Georgian anti-terrorism center only after the Russian bases are withdrawn from Georgia.

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